Lawrence, the second-highest-rated recruit during Mick Cronin's coaching tenure, was granted his release from UC because of family reasons, Cronin confirmed last week.

Lawrence was expected to transfer to a school close to his home in Springfield Gardens, N.Y.

He will have to sit out next season unless granted a waiver by the NCAA because of the circumstances with his father.

"I'm leaving UC because my father is ill," Lawrence said in a UC release. "I want to be closer to him as well as be close enough where I can have him and my mom attend my games. We appreciate everyone's support."